Erion Veliaj remains in detention after High Court ruling

Erion Veliaj High Court of Albania Tirana Mayor SPAK pre-trial detention

The High Court of Albania's Penal College has unanimously decided to uphold the arrest warrant and pre-trial detention of Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj. The decision, reached on September 15, 2026, maintains the security measure originally set by the Special Court of Appeal against Corruption and Organized Crime (GJKKO) on March 13, 2025.

The ruling follows a review prompted by the Constitutional Court, which had previously questioned the proportionality of Veliaj's detention and whether a lighter security measure could be applied. Despite these concerns, the High Court rejected Veliaj's request to annul previous judicial decisions.

Veliaj has been in pre-trial detention since February 2025, facing accusations of corruption, money laundering, hiding assets, and abuse of office. His defense team, led by lawyer Plarent Ndreca, has criticized the decision as a threat to democracy and the rule of law, arguing that the detention is unnecessary and disproportionate. Meanwhile, political figures like Gazment Bardhi have stated that releasing Veliaj would undermine justice reform efforts.

Entities

Albania · Arben Kola · Donald Trump · Edi Rama · Erion Veliaj · High Court of Albania · Jared Kushner · Plarent Ndreca · SPAK · Tirana

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[DISPUTED] Protestors are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and the removal of the government.
[○ 1 SOURCE] The movement began as opposition to a luxury resort project linked to Jared Kushner and Donald Trump.
[● 2 SOURCES] Tirana Police have initiated criminal proceedings against 20 participants for blocking traffic and disturbing public peace. gazeta.mk
[● 3 SOURCES] The protests have entered their 106th and 107th days of continuous demonstrations in Tirana.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Protestors marched to the Security Block to demand the release of individuals detained during previous demonstrations.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Defense lawyer Ben Brandon described the detention as 'unnecessary and disproportionate'. ntv.al
[● 5 SOURCES] The High Court is scheduled to review the security measures against Veliaj on September 15. ntv.al · kohajone.com · rdnews.al · rtsh.al · teve1.info
[● 2 SOURCES] The Constitutional Court ordered a review of Veliaj's pre-trial detention, citing concerns over proportionality. ntv.al · javanews.al
[○ 1 SOURCE] Gazment Bardhi stated that releasing Veliaj would be the 'final funeral of Justice Reform'. ntv.al
[● 2 SOURCES] Erion Veliaj claims he is facing political persecution. javanews.al · ntv.al
[● 6 SOURCES] Erion Veliaj has been in pre-trial detention since February 2025. javanews.al · citizens.al · rdnews.al · rtsh.al · teve1.info · +1 more
[● 2 SOURCES] Veliaj is accused of corruption, money laundering, hiding assets, and abuse of office. ntv.al · citizens.al